It is a pleasure to accept the recommendation of the Employee Recognition Committee that DeShawn Pendelton be honored as Employee of the Month for March 2011. DeShawn began working at Millikin University as Duplication and Imaging Technician on February 16, 2005. He was promoted to Media Support Specialist in the Information Technology department effective March 15, 2006.

The Employee Recognition Committee received very compelling support for DeShawns nomination, including the following comments:

DeShawn is all what a Millikin employee should be about. He provides excellent service above and beyond what is the norm and takes on extra responsibilities with no complaints. I am happy to work with him on a daily basis!

I work very closely with DeShawn to execute events on campus- from student organization events to Board of Trustee events. DeShawn is extremely giving of his time and talents to the university. I am not quite sure everyone on campus understands the amount of work DeShawn does on campus to keep our media running smoothly and efficiently. He does his job with little thanks. He is not only deserving of this award, but he is completely humble about the work he does here at MU.

Deshawn is always willing and able to help with whatever is needed in media services. I videotape all of my students speeches and he has taken the time to figure out the best ways for students to be able to view them so they can then critique themselves. He has a quick turn-around time and understands the needs of those he serves. He is very responsive when there are technical issues in a classroom and is there within minutes. He has helped me with many situations where his technical expertise was necessary and it is always with a smile and upbeat attitude. He always goes the extra mile and truly cares about what he does and how he does it. He juggles many projects with ease and always with a smile.

Recently, in a few short months, he added WebEx for the MBA program to serve a number of distance learners. DeShawn stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. He worked with the vendor to install new technology; he attend training to become an expert in the use of WebEx. Deshawn worked to train faculty and staff and he agreed to work overtime every week to support the use of the WebEx technology for the distance students. DeShawn has worked to make everything seamlessan outstanding job all the way around.

DeShawn has an unbelievable work ethic and is one of the most dedicated and conscientious employees that I know that continually goes beyond the call of duty. He quietly goes about making sure everyone on this campus has the equipment they need for classes, events, etc., and seems to work from morning til evening making sure all is handled correctly. I have relied on him for many years to help me with my board meetings and he consistently delivers. His positive, "I can do" attitude is very contagious to others on campus, and heis the perfect example of a committed employee thathelps to deliver on the promise of education.It's hard to imagine a Millikin University without DeShawn Pendelton as part of the team.

DeShawn isa gentle fellow. I have on many occasions run down the stairs from PACE to the basement in a panic because I needed something right now. DeShawn always drops what he is doing to help me solve my drama. I am his #1 fan.
DeShawn has saved us many timesat the last minute, on very short notice, when we have had unexpected technical difficulties with an event in AT, last minute tech needs in classrooms,making DVDs and photo discs ASAP, you name it. He is always dependable and hasthe skills to fix the problem.

DeShawn is very knowledgeable in his field of expertise, and frankly, I don't know what this university would do without him. DeShawn is a Godsend. DeShawn is friendly, open to suggestions, and NEVER lets you down. DeShawn is constantly on the go. I pass him several times a day; he is always going somewhere to fix something and never complains.

DeShawn should receive the Employee of the Month award because of his hard work and dedication to Millikin. He is always willing to lend a hand when needed and is so accommodating at all hours of the day. He is so knowledgeable and a great asset to Millikin.